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Gifted kids are so much more than test scores and grades. Still, it's sometimes difficult to see past all that achievement and potential to the child, adolescent, or teen who may be filled with anxiety, pressured to be perfect, lonely, alienated, confused, and unsure of what the future might bring. Written for teachers, gifted coordinators, guidance councelors, and other adults working with gifted kids (including parents), this book offers proven, practical suggestions for encouraging social and emotional growth among gifted, talented, and creative children and youth. Based on classroom experience, survey data, current research, and contributions from colleagues and students, it explains what giftedness means, how gifted kids are identified, and how we might improve the indentification process. It takes a close-up look at gifted kids from the inside out (their self image and self esteem) and the outside in (challenges to their well-being from their family, school, peers and society in general). It presents ways to help gifted underachievers, perfectionists, and those who are bored in school, ways to advocate for gifted education, and ways to create a supportive environment for all gifted students. It answers some of the 'tough questions' you may have (or may be asked by others). The final chapter explains how teachers can make it safe to be smart by creating the gifted- friendly classroom. Complete with first-person stories, easy to use strategies, classroom-tested activities, guided discussions, and up-to-date resources, this book is for anyone committed to helping gifted students gain insights, find solutions, and know they're not alone.
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